All articles filed in StylishMomNurse

Reaching out and working effectively with other people is not a natural skill for everyone. However, a lot of creativity, how to work together, and better marketing skills are three benefits I have noticed when I have collaborated. Collaboration is not welcomed by all, so do not be disappointed if you reach out to a fellow artist or brand and do not hear back from them or they give you a negative response. Hopefully more creative artistes learn to work together instead of withholding the knowledge they have to share with others.

• Creativity: I do believe we are gifted differently, therefore a collaboration allows each individual to share their ideas on how a project can be achieved. My experience collaborating has allowed me to learn new techniques on how to pose properly and learn better makeup tips.

• Working together: Collaboration allows creatives to learn how to respect each other and their time when working on a project. Most collaborations lay out a plan as to what is expected of each participant in terms of what to bring, when to arrive, how long it will take, and a timeline of what to expect. In so doing, participants develop the effective skill of working together efficiently which increase their professionalism. These collaborations have also led to forming lasting friendships and business partnerships.
• Marketing skills: As a creative, I cannot stress the importance of collaboration in improving your marketing skills. The art of reaching out to a fellow creative or brand can be nerve wrecking for many of us. We are all scared of being rejected, however we need to remember that everytime we get a positive answer after numerous rejections it means you are doing better at marketing yourself. Someone believed in you and thinks you will be a great fit for their brand, so give yourself a pat on the back

On the other hand, if another creative invites you to collaborate on a project, that is very impressive because someone thinks you are exceptional. Another advantage of collaborating is that all artistes involved are able to share the project on their different social platform which increases exposure and opportunities for paid work. I can attest to that fact that some of my collaborations have led to more paid work and followers on my social media network.

Personally, I enjoy it and I am open to seeking opportunities to collaborate with both small and bigger brands because we are all truly unique and do better as a team.The work of my latest collaboration between talented photographer Elizabeth Hanson of el photography and stylist and fashion truck owner Kim Huston of styleagogo are in this blog post.They are both based in Minnesota so reach out to them .

“Why don’t you just relax your hair? It will so much easier for you to comb your hair” This was what I heard all too often when I started my natural hair journey. I started not knowing if I was ready to face the world that had never glorified natural hair. Growing up in Ghana, I went to a school where I had to cut down my relaxed hair from Grade 7 through 12. I can still remember how I tried to bargain with my mom to change schools so I could attend one where I could keep my hair relaxed and long. As a child, I can remember my dad was not happy when he came home and found out that my mom had relaxed my sister and mine hair to fit in. Yes, my dad loved the afro of the 70s and he loved natural hair. My mom on the other hand like women of her era felt femininity, professional acceptance, and being more European was linked to long, silky flowy hair wither with a wig, weave, or relaxed was the ultimate goal.

My teen years went by well with my short natural hair, but it was acceptable because most of my friends kept their hair natural too. After high school, I however could not wait to get my hair relaxed and add extensions to have it long and full. As a teen, I felt all the boys liked the girls with long, flowy hair. The media and the community I lived in both Ghana and the USA seemed to accord women with long hair as being beautiful as opposed to those with natural, short, coiled hair. The pageant world, magazines, and television also placed women with long flowing weaves on a high pedestal and I did not want to be left out. I could have saved thousands of dollars from all the weaves and time spent in salons to get my hair bone straight or with full Brazilian human hairweave.

I had no role models who had taken that journey to be natural. I realized after years of straightening and manipulation, my edges were thinning and I was spending so much on my hair to get it to look right. I needed to find something that was truly unique to me and have the option to change my hairstyle because I wanted to, not because I had to conform. The hair transition to getting my relaxed hair chopped was like being born a new and I never turned back. I must say I was still worried how the world would accept it and Boy it was liberating to rock my natural short hair. I felt free, authentic, and an influencer. I fully embraced my natural kinky and heavily coiled short hair and started wearing it more without extensions 3 years ago and I have seen more women come up to me at work and in the community compliment me on my hair.

They are amazed I can confidently switch my hairstyle. Anyway,I still get asked questions at work from my mostly caucasian colleagues about how my hair grew from one week to another since I do a times do wash and gos, twists, and protective styles such as box braids,natural hair weave styles, and crotchet braids hahaahaha! I am especially happy that I continue to see more black women transitioning to natural hair styles and being confident and beautiful. Guess what? my mom also transitioned to natural hair and she loves it!woohoo!!!

For those of you following my story, it definitely comes as no surprise that volunteering in 2018 has been huge on my list. As a registered nurse with public health certification, the community and how its inhabitants survive is very close to my heart. I had the opportunity to welcome and provide linen and handing basic hygiene products with the African Nurse United to the homeless in St Paul, MN at the Higher Ground Shelter with Catholic Charities. This was a very fulfilling and eye opening experience.

This was very saddening because homelessness can happen to anyone. The homeless are at high risk of being sexually and physically abused. They are most prone to not having immediate access to basic healthcare and thus end up using the emergency rooms when they are in the worst shape. As my group members and I handed supplies such as towels, soap, toothpaste, sanitary towel, socks, shampoo, deodorants, each person was truly grateful for this kind gesture.I could sense they felt welcomed by our smiles as we asked what they needed. Speaking with the staff, they informed us there was a huge need for homeless shelters and they were in the process of expanding the facilities to accommodate more people. They also were in desperate need for basic supplies to provide the residents.

My group of nurses who work at United Hospital provide care to some of these homeless people and we have heard their stories. We hear how they have to choose between medications and food every day and how they have to survive the elements of the weather and figure out permanent housing and work. There was no fresh food at the center and that bothered us as we saw many of the guests eating highly processed foods since they had no access to a kitchen.

As a nurse and model, my passion will always be to give back within the United States and beyond. Next month I along with other members of the African Nurses United will be providing a free health needs based assessment. We will be working with local nurses and doctors providing basic healthcare in Ghana, West Africa and we cannot wait to empower and educate the less fortunate in the rural fishing village of Agbozume. 2018 is only the start and I cannot wait to share more my nursing knowledge, skills, and compassion with the world! Feel free to donate to our go fund me page at https://www.gofundme.com/volunteer-medical-mission-to-ghana.

Ms.. Lilla Watson could not have said it better when she said, “If you came to help me, you are wasting your time and mine. But if you have come because your liberation is bound with mine, let us work together.”

Feel free to comment and or message me if you are interested in working with me and or the African Nurse United.

It’s the last day of the year in my cold, frosty below zero corner in Minnesota and its been a year full of life. (Current mode, all wrapped up with fuzzy socks on lol).As I reflect on this year I appreciate my life, that of my family, friends, and my readers. I am also touched that I am able to bring some positivity to my world through my words and creativity.

In 2018, I look forward to volunteering more both in my local and international community. I want to use more of my nursing skills to serve the less privileged and empower them. I also cannot wait to share the uplifting project I am working on and to the other creative projects that are calling my name!! woohoo,yes i am super excited y’all!! Hey people, I might get my billboard sooner than I taught so watch out oo(happy voice!!)

As we end this year, I am so happy to say that blogging has allowed me to share more of my world and I look forward to sharing more exciting and inspiring stories in 2018 and beyond. Cheers and Happy New Year! Afehyia! Bonne Annee! Feliz ano Nuevo!

My sense of fashion and style have been greatly influenced by West African wax prints, therefore it should not come as a surprise when you see me wearing African prints. Most of the pieces I tend to wear are bold and elegantly designed with patterns that have a meaning behind it. Wax prints are easily accessible in any West African market where you can bargain prices with market women or you have the option to go to an African store if you live outside Ghana.

I developed a taste for wearing this during my days as a high schooler at Achimota Secondary School, Accra where students had to wear something African inspired during the week. The female students had the option of an African print culottes with a matching top which was worn for evening studies and the kaba and slit (traditional inspired skirt and top) on Sundays, whiles the male student draped an African cloth on Sundays. These formative days allowed me to be proud of my culture and find creative ways to wear designs which I gave to my seamstress to sew.

First image of me by Nancy May Photography. Second image is by E.L. Photography.

Growing up in Ghana, West African wax prints designs were primarily worn during special occasions such as weddings, church, baby outdooring However, in recent times, the youth have totally revolutionized it and made it very acceptable to wear African inspired to professional settings. The current fashion designers incorporate different African prints in their dresses and accessories that they create. There is nothing off limits that can be created or infused with West African wax prints. The final products worn by both sexes will amaze and make you want to run to your nearest African store or call your seamstress or tailor. Enjoy these inspirations I found on google.

What are your thoughts and will you wear it if you had the chance. Enjoy and leave your comments!

I have been blogging on this page for a little over a month and would like to throw a little more insight into my world and what I stand for. My name is Stefanie and I am originally from Ghana, West Africa and I have quite a fascinating accent because I have lived away from Ghana for more than a decade. I get teased about my accent from my Ghana people because I apparently sound American lol. Let me sip on some champagne y’all!lol

Writing has always been my way to pour out my innermost thoughts, struggles, and aspirations. Writing has allowed me to be creative and I want to use it to inspire people especially immigrants, women of color, mothers like myself who wake up each day with dreams of hope! Like myself, I know you work hard each day in your many roles to put food on the table, to inspire your children and or community, and are role models. My mission is changing the face of beauty and showing you how to walk that path with your inner and outer beauty!

My path has led me to be walking example of beauty and intelligence as I work as a Registered Nurse with over 7 years of experience. My background is ICU/Cardiac Telemetry/Perianesthesia. My role as a registered nurse allows me to be a patient advocate, a teacher, a comforter and most times a patient listener to patients who are very lonely and need someone to hear them. I also represent a minute representation of diversity in the registered nurse profession in the United States. According to the Modern Health (2016) report, less than 25 % of Registered Nurses in the United States of America are minority nurses;not Caucasian. I therefore walk in the shoes of a role model and inspire countless of young women and men of color who never thought about a career in the medical field.

As a model, I also represent a minute representation of people of color. This is one of the reasons I decided to be vulnerable and get into the commercial fashion industry in Minnesota. I went in fully aware of the possibility of rejections, but that has not stopped me from securing fashion jobs with established names and local fashion houses. I will continue to work harder and make my mark because everyday I hear personal stories from family, friends and their daughters who are teased because of the color of their skin and hair texture, colleagues who are unaware of their beauty, community members who have been labelled as beautiful based on their weight. They raise their head high because they see someone like them changing the face of beauty. These lovely pictures are from the Holiday Party at FGI-MSP EVENT of which I am a proud member.I am dying to hear your comments.

Looking effortlessly beautiful and stylish should not break your bank. Countless times, we find ourselves debating whether to get new clothes and accessories when we really can do without going to the shop. These are my tips for staying stylish and keeping your money in check.

Check in your jewelry box and take out some chunky necklaces, stud earrings, and a bracelet you have not worn in a while. Then pick out a dress, a skirt or pants matched with a top you always wear and deck it up with one of the jewelry pieces, I just mentioned and throw on some nice flats or pumps. I will also suggest you put on some lipstick, mascara and foundation. Your look is complete. You can also in a belt and a purse. Accessorize,accessorize, but do not overdo it!

Exchange clothes and accessories with a friend, sister, or any other close female relative who are also adventurous or just want to try a different style of clothing on a budget. In swapping, you will be amazed at how you can match a new bright scarf to your black dress or add a sparkly earring with a pair of jeans.

If you are artsy or feeling the artsy bug, sew on some embellishment or simply add a fancy brooch to a plain office shirt.

Do not be afraid to mix and match and create a different, unique style. This saves you time and lots of money.

Do not follow the crowd. It is better to use what you already have than to try and impress someone with expensive clothes you cannot afford!! (That sucks! lol)

I am loving all the inspirational images from google. Make me proud of you and share some inspirations in the comments below. It s super easy! Now you go into the big world called your CLOSET !!

Organica is a local pop up shop located in the Mall Of America in front of the Apple Computer store. There are a variety of soothing naturally made goodies; from essential oils, pain relief ointments, diffusers, and naturally handmade soaps made by a local vendor, Wandering Goods from Portland, Oregon.

The owner of this local relaxing pop up shop, Suzanne is very approachable and knowledgeable about her products. She will allow you to try different samples as well as guide you if you are having difficulties finding the right gift for either yourself or your loved ones.

The Traumica Pain Relief Formula is one of her fast selling products. Working in healthcare and in particular bedside nursing where we use a lot of man power, this product sparked my interest. There is nothing more soothing than being relaxed after a long day on your feet at work.

This shop is very personalized and authentic with the different array of products which will help relax you and keep you feeling energized and stylish for your next outing or staycation. Try something new if you have never tried naturally made soaps which helps with different skin problems and relax in a dark room filled with soothing music and essential oils from a diffuser!

Support this local business if you are in Minnesota and are passing through the Mall of America and tell Suzanne that I sent you over and you will be on the extra extra nice list. These are some of the lovely products at this shop:

Throw a pair of jeans, wear a t shirt, your fancy shirt, or favorite pair of boots and add a pop of beads and voila, you suddenly turned casual to trendy. My love for African beaded jewelry was birthed growing up in Ghana, West Africa. I remember wearing waist beads as a child, then gradually falling in love with hand, neck, and anklet beads.

Beads come in all sizes and are also made of different materials such as wood, glass, seashells, among others. They can also be worn on any occasion and add a detail that makes one look unique. Beads also carry a meaning to some wearers from providing positive energy to protection from bad spirits. For others, it is for fashionable purposes and exploring a different style.

Below are some beautiful African beaded jewelry I found online on google

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to drop a comment. Now go get some beads at your local African shop or market, with love StylishMomNurse!!!

Did you ever think you will grow up and be the mother of a special needs child? I never thought so. There are so many questions that have run across my mind over these five years and I am proud of myself for letting go and learning to open up about my fears and insecurities. There are times I still cry and wonder why me and most times I am amazed at the successes in this journey. I have learned to be overjoyed at the successes of my boy and not by a measure of the so called children development timeline which is not personalized. As an immigrant originally from Ghana, West Africa, I knew it would be tough explaining how different my child was with his glasses and hearing aides to my community. However, my strength has come from my immediate family and friends who have supported me and being there for me as I cried and laughed during this tough journey of special motherhood.

I was therefore beyond the moon when I connected with Sefakor who like me was Ghanaian but lives in Ghana, same age mate, and has a first born son with the same rare syndrome called Charge Syndrome. Charge Syndrome is a rare syndrome caused by a genetic disorder that can affect the heart,nose, eyes,ears, etc. Charge also affects each individual very differently, therefore each individual needs should be personalized. One thing with these chargers are they are fighters!

In the picture below is my son, my mom, Sefakor, her son, and myself in Ghana this past September. Somehow the little siblings, my daughter and Sefakor’s younger son managed to escape this shot as they were happily playing together. All of us moms laughed, gave each other advice, and bonded over the triumphs and challenges of motherhood. The lack of rehab services is saddening in Ghana, but the resilience of special moms like Sefakor and our families is a testament to the fighting nature of these chargers.